Schools and Colleges Closed in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry Amid Heavy Rainfall and Cyclone Alerts

As heavy rains and cyclonic conditions continue to lash parts of southern India, schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have been ordered to remain closed on October 22 and 23, 2025. The closures, announced by district administrations and state governments, are precautionary steps taken in response to warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has been closely monitoring a developing cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is projected to intensify and impact the eastern coastline — particularly northern Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry — over the next two days. The system is expected to bring intense rainfall, gusty winds, and turbulent sea conditions, posing a potential threat to life and property in vulnerable areas.

Tamil Nadu Declares School Closures in Key Districts

In Tamil Nadu, the government has declared holidays for schools and colleges in several northern and coastal districts. Chennai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Ranipet, and Thoothukudi are among the worst-affected areas where classes have been suspended.

Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade stated that the decision to close schools was made after the IMD issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern coastal districts. While schools and colleges in most affected regions will remain shut, Thoothukudi has exempted colleges from the order, allowing limited functioning depending on local conditions.

The cyclonic circulation over the South Bay of Bengal is moving northwards and is expected to hit northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh by Wednesday afternoon. The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to high waves and strong winds, and disaster response teams have been deployed to vulnerable coastal zones.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has chaired multiple review meetings to assess the state’s preparedness. He directed district collectors and disaster management officials to monitor low-lying regions, ensure timely evacuation, and maintain constant communication with local bodies for rapid emergency response. Power utilities, fire services, and health departments have also been instructed to stay on high alert to handle any situation arising from flooding or infrastructure damage.

Puducherry and Karaikal Suspend Classes Amid Continuous Rainfall

The Union Territory of Puducherry, including the Karaikal region, has also declared a full-day holiday for all educational institutions. The announcement came after heavy rainfall that began on Tuesday afternoon intensified overnight, disrupting normal life in several localities.

Home and Education Minister A. Namassivayam confirmed the closure, citing safety concerns for students and staff. “Due to heavy rains pounding the Union Territory, all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal will remain closed on Wednesday,” he said.

According to official data, 3 cm of rainfall was recorded between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions in low-lying neighborhoods. Local authorities reported inundation in several parts of Lawspet, Mudaliarpet, and Rainbow Nagar, with stormwater drains overflowing due to the relentless downpour.

To manage the emerging situation, Minister K. Lakshminarayanan held an emergency coordination meeting with officials from the Revenue Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and local administrative bodies. He instructed teams to deploy pumps and clearing equipment to drain flooded areas and keep emergency response units on standby to tackle any potential crisis.

Andhra Pradesh Issues Orange Alert; Schools Closed in Coastal Districts

The situation remains equally critical in Andhra Pradesh, where the government has closed schools in the districts of Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, and Bapatla. The IMD has placed these areas under an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds.

Meteorologists have reported that the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify further and move toward the north Tamil Nadu–south Andhra Pradesh coast by Thursday, October 23. This trajectory raises concerns about flash floods, localized landslides, and damage to coastal infrastructure.

District collectors have directed local bodies to identify flood-prone areas and prepare for emergency evacuations if rainfall worsens. Relief centers have been kept ready, and control rooms are operating round the clock to handle distress calls. Coastal residents have been urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.

IMD’s Cyclone Forecast and Preparedness Measures

According to the India Meteorological Department, the deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal may strengthen into a cyclonic storm as it moves closer to land. The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry over the next 48 hours, with some areas likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been positioned in strategic coastal areas to ensure swift rescue and relief operations. Power departments have been directed to maintain backup supply systems to prevent prolonged outages, while the fisheries departments have issued advisories prohibiting marine activity until further notice.

Transportation services have also been affected in several districts, with reports of waterlogged roads, delayed train services, and flight disruptions in Chennai and nearby regions. Authorities are working to clear debris and restore connectivity in rain-hit zones.

Public Advised to Stay Alert and Follow Official Instructions

As southern India braces for two days of turbulent weather, officials across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have urged citizens to stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, and follow updates from local administrations and the IMD.

The coordinated response from multiple state and union territory governments reflects a heightened emphasis on preventive action and public safety. By suspending educational activities and mobilizing emergency teams in advance, authorities aim to minimize risks posed by the intensifying weather system.